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LOS ANGELES — No goals, no problem.

The Occidental women's water polo team played outstanding defense on its way a 5-4 win over Austin College at Taylor Pool on Saturday night despite not scoring in the second half.

Led by three goals from Monica Chernoff, and one from Lori Berberian and Chelsea Evans, the Tigers jumped out to a 5-1 lead by halftime and held off the Kangaroos.

Austin College gave the Tigers a run for their money in the second half, cutting the lead to 5-4 on a goal from Brooke Le with 1:17 to play in the game.

On the Kangaroos next possession, Oxy goalkeeper Allison Smith came out of the cage to prevent a breakaway on a long pass and what would have been a good scoring opportunity for Austin College, giving Oxy the ball with 50 seconds left.

The Tigers coughed up the ball right back to the Kangaroos though and Oxy had to lock down one last time to win the game.

After Austin College called a timeout with 22 seconds left, the ball went to the right side of the pool where Oxy double teamed with Chelsea Evans and Chernoff, preventing Austin College from getting a good look at the cage.

Smith and Oxy's other goalie Ella Maisano were were very good, making four saves each. Maisano also had five steals.

Abigail Lavod had an assist, three drawn exclusions and two steals. Chelsea Evans finished with two steals, and Cassidy Evans and Michela Imperiale each had an assist.

It is the lowest goal total that the Tigers have allowed in a game this season.

Oxy's two previous best defensive performances were against Grove City, holding them to five and six goals in two meetings. 

The Tigers have kept their opponent in single digits five times.

Season Impact: The Tigers improve to 6-7 on the season.

Austin College falls to 3-4 on the season.

Next Game: The Tigers are back in action on Thursday at 4 p.m. against Redlands.